Welcome to The Centre for Working Hands
The Centre for Working Hands provides Hand Therapy in Michiana, including Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana.
Prevent Hand Injuries this Summer - Thursday, May 19, 2011
In the summertime the weather is warm and we all love to get outside to work in the yard. What better way to put the troubles of the workday world behind and experience the timeless beauties of nature than to work your own plot of land, no matter how big or how small.Unfortunately, it's also easy to suffer hand injuries when working in the yard. Here are a few tips to help you avoid potentially serious injuries when working outside this summer:
Warm-ups and breaks: If the hardest work you typically do all winter is lifting a cup of coffee, getting out in the yard to do some landscaping can put a serious strain on you. Even something as seemingly minor as pulling weeds in your flower bed can actually put a surprising amount of strain on your hands and wrist. You can reduce your risk for strains by properly warming up before working and remembering to take a break every hour or so to help prevent repetitive motion injuries.
Task-appropriate gloves: Whether you're digging in the garden, cutting back a rose bush, or putting in a fence, there are many opportunities for injuries when working in the yard. Sturdy, well-fitted gloves give your hands an extra layer of protection for that surprising moment when they need it.
Invest in quality tools: "Let the tool do the work" is the mantra of every professional, from carpenters to plumbers. Getting the right tool for the right job can save you a tremendous amount of work and potential injury. Remember to use a tool only for its intended purpose. Trying to use a tool for a job it isn’t designed for can lead to excessive strain and other injuries.
Read the instructions before using a tool: Each year thousands of people are injured because they don't know the proper way to use a tool. This is especially true of power tools. For example, many lawnmower injuries can be avoided simply by reading the instruction manual and understanding its dangers. Never try to clear an obstruction or blockage of the lawnmower blade with your hand. And always read the instruction manual before using a new power tool.
If you suffer a hand injury in the garden, you may need hand surgery and months of physical therapy. Even then, you might recover only a fraction of your current hand strength and dexterity. For this reason, take extra care this summer when working in your yard.
If you have suffered a hand injury and want the best care available, please contact The Centre for Working Hands today.
The Centre for Working Hands offers the latest reconstructive hand surgery procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area.
Elkhart Office
RIVERPOINTE MEDICAL BUILDING500 ARCADE AVE., SUITE 300
ELKHART, IN 46514
PHONE: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511
South Bend Office
Medical Pavilion I720 East Cedar Street, Suite 450
South Bend, IN 46617
PHONE: 574-233-9100
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